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Oscar Watch: Original song contenders

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"Jai Ho"A.R. Rahman and Gulzar "Slumdog Millionaire"Pros: This soaring, exuberant tune plays over the film's gloriously out-of-left-field dance number, giving it an unforgettable visual touchstone.Cons: If it comes down to Rahman's two songs, the fact that the song doesn't help drive the narrative could work against it.

"Down to Earth"Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman"WALL-E"Pros: Springsteen, Dylan, Phil Collins, Elton John ... aging rock stars do especially well in this category.Cons: Gabriel and Newman make a cute couple, but they're no Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.